Why book your campervan for Bulgaria online?

Bulgaria is a campervan paradise waiting to be discovered, and booking your vehicle online through a platform like Campcruisers is the smartest way to start. You can easily compare prices, vehicle types, and features from various rental partners across Bulgaria. This allows you to find the perfect camper for your adventure, whether you need a compact van for navigating mountain roads or a spacious motorhome for a family trip along the coast.

This flexibility is key to experiencing all that Bulgaria has to offer. Imagine waking up to a mountain sunrise, driving through the famous Valley of Roses, and ending your day with fresh seafood at a Black Sea fishing village. With your pre-booked camper, you are not tied to a single location. The country's affordability, combined with its incredible diversity, means your journey can be as spontaneous and adventurous as you want it to be.

The Best Campervan Tours in Bulgaria: Our Route Ideas

Your camper is your ticket to unlocking the secrets of Bulgaria. Here are three distinct routes to inspire your journey, showcasing the incredible variety of the country.

🚐 Tour 1: The Classic Bulgarian Loop – History, Culture & Cities

This route covers the historical heartland of Bulgaria, perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers.

• Duration: 7-8 days
• Distance: approx. 600 km (375 miles)
• Ideal for: History buffs, city explorers, foodies
• Day 1-2: Sofia to Plovdiv (approx. 145 km)
• Start in the capital, Sofia, then drive to Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Explore the stunning Roman amphitheatre, wander through the colourful Kapana arts district, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere.
• Day 3-4: The Thracian Valley & Shipka Pass (approx. 110 km)
• Drive east into the Valley of the Thracian Rulers. Visit ancient Thracian tombs near Kazanlak (UNESCO site). Then, tackle the historic Shipka Pass, stopping at the impressive Freedom Monument for panoramic views.
• Day 5-6: Veliko Tarnovo, the Medieval Capital (approx. 50 km)
• Arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, dramatically perched on the cliffs above the Yantra River. Explore the magnificent Tsarevets Fortress, the medieval stronghold of the Bulgarian Empire.
• Day 7-8: Return to Sofia via Saeva Dupka Cave (approx. 250 km)
• On your way back to Sofia, make a detour to visit the Saeva Dupka cave, one of Bulgaria's most beautiful underground wonders, known for its incredible acoustics.

🏔️ Tour 2: The Mountain Adventure – Rila, Pirin & the Rhodopes

This tour is for nature lovers and hikers, taking you through Bulgaria's most majestic mountain ranges.

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Distance: approx. 450 km (280 miles)
• Ideal for: Hikers, nature photographers, spiritual seekers
• Day 1-2: Rila Monastery & the Seven Rila Lakes (approx. 120 km from Sofia)
• Drive south from Sofia to the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Bulgarian architecture. Use this as a base for a day trip or hike to the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes (accessible via chairlift in summer).
• Day 3: Pirin National Park & Bansko (approx. 100 km)
• Continue to Bansko, a popular ski resort town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. In summer, it's a fantastic hub for hiking trails that lead into the pristine Pirin National Park.
• Day 4-5: The Rhodope Mountains & Shiroka Laka (approx. 120 km)
• Journey into the mystical Rhodope Mountains, the mythical birthplace of Orpheus. Visit the charming architectural reserve of Shiroka Laka, famous for its traditional houses and haunting bagpipe music. The scenic roads here are a dream for campervan driving.

🌊 Tour 3: The Black Sea Coast – Beaches, Ancient Towns & Sea Breezes

This relaxing route follows the beautiful Bulgarian coastline from south to north.

• Duration: 5-6 days
• Distance: approx. 200 km (125 miles)
• Ideal for: Beach lovers, families, history enthusiasts
• Day 1-2: Sozopol & the South Coast (Start in Burgas)
• Pick up your camper near Burgas and head south to the ancient town of Sozopol. Explore its charming old town with its wooden houses and cobblestone streets, and relax on one of the nearby sandy beaches like Kavatsite.
• Day 3: Nessebar, the Pearl of the Black Sea (approx. 35 km)
• Drive north to Nessebar, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city is located on a rocky peninsula and is packed with historic churches and Roman and medieval ruins.
• Day 4-5: Varna & the North Coast (approx. 100 km)
• Continue to Varna, Bulgaria's maritime capital. Visit the Archaeological Museum to see the world's oldest gold treasure. Use Varna as a base to explore the northern coast, including the beautiful resort of Albena and the rocky cape of Kaliakra.

A Taste of Bulgaria: Culinary Highlights

A campervan trip in Bulgaria is a feast for the senses. The cuisine is hearty, fresh, and delicious, perfect for fuelling your adventures.

What you absolutely must try:

• 🥗 Shopska Salad: A refreshing salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, generously topped with grated white "sirene" cheese.
• 🧀 Banitsa: A delicious pastry made of filo dough, eggs, and sirene cheese, perfect for breakfast.
• 🍖 Kebapche & Kyufte: Grilled minced meat sausages and meatballs, a staple at any Bulgarian barbecue.
• 🥛 Kiselo Mlyako: The famous Bulgarian yogurt, known for its unique taste and healthy properties.
• 🌶️ Rakia: The potent national brandy, typically made from grapes or plums. Enjoy it as an aperitif!

Getting to Bulgaria: Your Journey to the Balkans

Bulgaria is an EU member and is well-connected, making your arrival straightforward.

• ✈️ By Plane (The Most Popular Option):

• Bulgaria has several international airports, with Sofia (SOF) being the main hub. Burgas (BOJ) and Varna (VAR) are popular for coastal trips, especially in summer.
• From the UK & Ireland: There are frequent direct flights to Sofia from London and other major cities, operated by airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and British Airways. Seasonal flights to Burgas and Varna are also common.
• From the USA, Canada, Australia, NZ & South Africa: There are no direct flights. You will need to connect through a major European hub like Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, London, or Istanbul to reach Sofia.

• Self-Drive from the UK/Europe: For the truly adventurous, driving your own car is possible, but it is a long, multi-day journey across the continent.
• After arriving at the airport, you can easily reach the pickup location for your camper. The exact address of our partner's rental station will be provided in your booking documents. Depending on the location, the pickup may be directly at the airport or nearby.

Camping in Bulgaria: Campsites & Wild Camping

Bulgaria offers a mix of official campsites and the freedom of wild camping, making it ideal for campervan travel.

• 🏕️ Wild Camping:

• Officially, wild camping is not permitted in national parks, nature reserves, and protected coastal areas. However, in many other rural and mountainous parts of the country, it is generally tolerated, especially for a single night's stay. The key is to be discreet, respectful of private property, and to strictly follow the "Leave No Trace" principle.

• 🚐 Official Campsites:

• Bulgaria has a growing network of official campsites, particularly along the Black Sea coast and near popular tourist destinations. These range from basic sites to more equipped facilities.

On Campcruisers, you'll find a selection of bookable campsites and private motorhome pitches. Take a look, perhaps the perfect spot for your Bulgaria tour is already there!